Hello Justice -- I worked with a therapist to develop ways of setting boundaries with my mother. Even though I am in my 50s and my mother is in her 80s, she has learned to stop saying hurtful things and is now very supportive.

However, when she first hung up on me because she didn't like it when I spoke my truth, I did not know that the situation would have this good outcome. And I know that other people who set boundaries and speak their truth do not have a positive outcome like ours.

Still, it felt good to speak my truth and say, "You are not helping me when you say things like that mother."

Perhaps, Justice, it is time for you to speak your truth, as Sky and others suggest. You do not want to be around these people; you recognize that they hurt you; so does it really matter if they freak out? Maybe then they will leave you alone.

If you are not yet ready to say, "I'm not coming because you constantly ridicule me, and that's not fun for me," then "I can't make it," is a very good alternative that is truthful yet vague.

I hope you find a good way for you with this situation.